Lagos. 12.05.25. In demonstration of its commitment to financial empowerment targeting Youths, Unity Bank Plc has again championed the cause of financial literacy by facilitating Training in 13 secondary schools across Nigeria to commemorate the 2025 Global Money Week.

Held under the theme, “Think before you follow, wise money tomorrow,” this year’s engagement focused on helping young people develop discernment and critical thinking in making financial decisions, particularly in an era shaped by social media influence and digital distractions.

Unity Bank’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ebenezer Kolawole, supported the initiative as the Bank held an impactful session at Boys Model Secondary School, Owerri, Imo State. Represented by the Bank’s Zonal Head, South South/South East, Mr. William Odigie, Mr. Kolawole shared practical lessons on financial responsibility, guiding students on how to cultivate savings culture, investment and financial management; advising against any impulsive financial behaviours, more especially those involving online.

Speaking through the Zonal Head during the Training session, Mr. Kolawole emphasised the importance of being exposed early to financial management: “The habits you form now around saving, spending, and investing will shape your financial future. It’s not about how much you have, but how wisely you manage it.”

In each of the 13 schools visited nationwide, Unity Bank’s facilitators engaged students in interactive discussions, practical money management exercises, and quizzes. Participating students who displayed exceptional skills at various sessions got recognition and were presented with branded gift items to strongly reinforce the financial literacy training.

Recall that recently, Unity Bank launched GenFi digital banking app, a youth-focused solution designed to empower children and teens with smart money habits through gamified learning, goal-setting, and parental guidance. The participation of the Bank in the financial literacy training marks this year’s Global Money Week is to further Youth engagement.

Global Money Week is a worldwide initiative coordinated in Nigeria by the Central Bank of Nigeria in collaboration with the Bankers’ Committee and Junior Achievement Nigeria. The engagement aims to instil sound financial knowledge and habits in young people from an early age, being a strategy to promote financial inclusion.

Unity Bank has continued to invest in youth-focused financial education as a clear demonstration of its unwavering commitment to empowering Nigeria’s next generation for financial independence and self-reliance.

Lagos, Nigeria – May 1, 2025 – Fidelity Bank Plc, one of Nigeria’s leading Tier-1 financial institutions, has announced a remarkable financial performance for the first quarter of 2025, recording a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of N105.8 billion, representing an impressive growth of 167.8% compared to N39.5 billion in Q1 2024.

The bank’s unaudited financial statements, released on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) on April 30, 2025, highlight a substantial increase in Gross Earnings, which rose to N315.4 billion, marking a year-on-year growth of 64.2% from N192.1 billion in the same period last year. Growth in interest income was primarily led by 38.6% yoy (7.4% ytd) expansion in earning assets base, while the increase in non -interest revenue came from FX-related income, trade and commission on banking services, etc., supported by increased customer transactions.

Commenting on the bank’s performance, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe,OON, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, stated, “We started the year with triple-digit growth in profit and sustained the momentum in our earning assets growth. This performance shows the resilience of our business model and reinforces our confidence in delivering a better result in the 2025 financial year.”

Other areas of the unaudited financial statements, equally show a marked improvement with Total Deposits growing by 11.1% ytd to N6.6tn from N5.9tn in December 2024, driven by 10.6% ytd growth in low-cost deposits to N6.1tn, which represents 92.2% of total customer deposits. Local currency deposits increased by 2.0% ytd while foreign currency deposits increased by 21.4% from $1.9bn in December 2024 to $2.3bn.

Net Loans and Advances increased by 5.0% ytd to N4.6tn. The growth in the bank’s Loan Book was skewed to LCY Loans as cost of risk declined to 0.6% from 1.5% in 2024FY.

“Beginning the year with such positive momentum reinforces our commitment to supporting the growth of individuals and businesses, while enhancing our financial sustainability. As we go into the rest of the year, we remain focused on building a resilient banking franchise with a diversified earnings base,” Onyeali-Ikpe added.

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

The Bank is the recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

On May 2nd, 2025, Wema Bank, Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank, most innovative, and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, showed Nigeria and the entire financial sector what it truly means to celebrate legacy with purpose. The event, themed Timeless Elegance, was held at the Eko Hotel and Suites. The bank’s 80th-anniversary celebration was more than a gala; it was a finely curated brand experience that blended history, glamour, music, storytelling, and strategic vision into one unforgettable night. With every segment choreographed to perfection, the evening was a strong statement of who Wema Bank is, where it’s coming from, and where it’s boldly headed.
Here are ten standout moments that made this a night for the history books:

1. A Beauty in Experiential Setup and Show Production

Guests knew they were about to witness something extraordinary when they stepped onto the purple carpet. The visual storytelling was impeccable – stunning historical arrangements that took guests from ‘Agbonmagbe Bank’ (the bank’s original name) and through the years to a futuristic Wema Bank. Guests who didn’t previously understand the bank’s history were immediately immersed in it with halls of fame, caricature buildings, and a stage setup that looked like it belonged in an awards show. The spatial design created a sense of elegance and pride, turning Eko Hotel’s convention center into a canvas that reflected the very soul of Wema Bank. It was immersive, intentional, and visually breathtaking, a setup that elevates a celebration.

2. Sounds of ALAT Winners Bring Youthful Energy

Kareem, King Breezy, and Kesty, the emerging stars from Wema’s 2023 Sounds of ALAT competition, opened the night with impressive performances. They sang original tracks and their winning songs from the sounds of ALAT competition. The finalists later came together for a heartfelt birthday tribute to the bank, alongside Cobhams Asuquo who played on the grand piano. It was a powerful reminder of how Wema Bank invests in the next generation of banking, creativity, and culture.

3. Yinka Davies’ National Anthem Rendition

With unmatched grace and vocal mastery, Yinka Davies performed the Nigerian National Anthem in a way that grounded the event in patriotism and pride. Her delivery was both ceremonial and soulful. It was a reminder that even in celebration, Wema Bank honors its national roots and identity, especially as the nation’s first indigenous bank.

4. Hosting Done Right

The event’s hosts – veteran actor Chief Femi Branch and popular media personality Olive Emodi, struck the perfect balance of charm and control. Their chemistry, humor, and professionalism ensured that the evening flowed seamlessly, without a dull moment or misstep in the program.

5. 8 Million-Naira Surprise That Delighted Customers

What’s a celebration without giving back? A significant high point in the event came when eight customers each won ₦1 million. The hosts also announced that 80 more customers would receive ₦80,000. It wasn’t just good PR; it was a powerful way to say thank you and share the spotlight with the people who made Wema’s journey possible.

6. A Chairman’s Speech Anchored in Legacy

In her welcome address, Chairman Dr. Oluwayemi Oluwanishola offered more than pleasantries – she gave perspective. “Wema Bank’s journey to me is an enigma,” she said. “What gave the founder, Late Chief Okupe, the confidence to establish Agbonmagbe Bank right under colonial rule?” Her reflections on the founder’s audacity and the bank’s deep-rooted mission captured the spirit of the night in full. She also set the tone for why the event was essential to celebrate the bank’s past 8 decades.

7. Iconic Performances That Lit Up the Stage

The musical lineup read like a greatest-hits anthology of Nigerian pop culture. Wande Coal delivered a nostalgic medley. 9ice brought his street credibility. Ayuba’s live band lit up the room with high-energy Fuji. And Davido closed the night with his signature swagger, bringing the house down. Away from the heavyweight pop-culture stars, we had moments of reflection with spoken words from Kehinde Adolo and IBQuake. These were sonic celebrations of Wema’s multigenerational appeal.

8. CEO Moruf Oseni’s Visionary Speech

In his address, Moruf Oseni didn’t just thank guests; he projected the future. His words painted a clear picture of a bold, tech-driven Wema Bank that is anchored in customer-first innovation. The short mini-documentary that followed offered glimpses into the bank’s transformation, reinforcing the night’s message: Wema is just getting started. He thanked every segment of Wema’s stakeholders, from the customers, shareholders, partners, regulatory bodies, governmental partners, and knights (staff).

9. A Symbolic Coffee Table Book Launch and Documentary Sneak Peek That Highlight Wema’s History From Birth to Now

One of the evening’s most powerful moments came when Wema Bank launched its commemorative coffee table book. Flanked by past and present MDs, Chairmen, executive and non-executive directors, and Board members, the unveiling was a tribute to history, leadership, and enduring purpose. It was a reminder that institutions don’t thrive by chance; they do so by design, memory, and storytelling.

10. A Masterclass in Stakeholder Engagement

From pop-culture royalty to national figures, Wema Bank drew a crowd that reflected its wide-reaching relevance. Political dignitaries such as Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, and the First Lady of Nigeria (represented by Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim) all delivered goodwill messages. Industry titans like Chief Michael Adeojo, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, and Chief Sir Kessington Adebutu joined them. The crowd was also just star-studded with guests like Deyemi Okanlawon, Iyanya, Juliana Oloyede, Morayo Afolabi-Brown, Teddy A, Folagade Banks (Mama Deola), Jay On-Air, Kaffy, and Stan Nze. Wema didn’t just celebrate with guests; it reinforced its position as a trusted partner across government, business, and culture.
In every way that mattered, Wema Bank’s 80th celebration was a living expression of its values: thoughtful, future-forward, people-centric, and proudly Nigerian. Timeless Elegance described the look and feel of the event and the legacy. And as the curtains fell to the beat of Davido’s final notes and DJ Sose’s afterparty rhythms, one thing was unquestionable: Wema was not only looking back in gratitude but marching forward in power.